Fireworks create colorful celebrations in the nighttime sky. Whether you are enjoying the Fourth of July or commemorating another important event, an impressive fireworks display is often the star of the show. The use of fireworks generates the four special effects of noise, light, smoke, and floating materials that combine to produce a brilliant aerial exhibit. As beautiful as fireworks appear, however, these pyrotechnics are still explosive devices, and mismanagement of fireworks can result in serious accidents. Some of the most dangerous and costly types of fireworks accidents include destruction of your roof. A look at the ways that fireworks can damage your roof can provide insight on how to protect your property.
How Can Fireworks Damage Your Roof?
There are several ways fireworks can damage a roof. The most common types of damage include broken shingles, roof leaks, debris accumulation, or even a house fire outbreak.
Broken Shingles
Fireworks are powerful enough to puncture or loosen shingles, causing them to fly off your roof or fracture and break. In addition, fireworks can singe or deteriorate the granules located on the top layer of your shingles. These granules are necessary for protecting your roof from wind, excessive sunlight, or other outdoor elements like hail. Roofs with damaged shingles or missing granules are also more vulnerable to moisture exposure that can compromise the structural integrity of your property.
Roof Leaks
Errant sparks from fireworks can create cracks or holes on the surface of your roof upon impact. While you may not notice tiny holes at first, these openings can widen until they finally result in roof leaks that reach the ceiling inside your home. Roof leaks can cause moisture damage on your ceilings and walls. If left uncorrected, they may lead to enough water exposure that results in mold growth or wood rot. Multiple tears or leaks across the roof are among the worst long-term side effects of wayward firecrackers or fireworks.
Debris Accumulation
Although it may not seem obvious at first, fireworks produce solid by-products that cool and float down as debris from the sky. Common types of debris include confetti or propulsion shells. In addition, the incomplete combustion of some materials in fireworks can also result in airborne smoke and soot. Since soot particles do not simply “go away” on their own, you will need to enlist the help of a professional if you find a layer of soot clinging to your roof. Otherwise, the soot debris can cause extensive discoloration and have a negative effect on the curb appeal of your home.
Fire Outbreak
Unfortunately, fireworks can also represent a major fire hazard for homes. One of the primary causes of this hazard occurs when embers from a firework destroy shingles or cracks holes into the top surface of your roof. This damage may expose underlying roof layers like wooden beams or wood decking, and these materials are highly combustible and can catch fire with minimal contact. Secondary causes of fire include overhanging trees or dry leaves on your roof. These flammable materials can inadvertently act as kindling and start a house fire.
How Can You Protect Your Roof?
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your roof. The most important way is to comply with local laws and regulations before using fireworks. Never set off fireworks near a house, garage, or shed. You should also avoid setting off fireworks near dry grass, twigs, or other greenery. During fireworks displays, always keep a fire extinguisher and water hose nearby to prevent emergencies from wayward sparks or embers.
If you have not already signed up for your annual roofing inspection, schedule one before any fireworks celebration or exhibit. During an inspection, a roofer can identify any damaged or exposed areas that are more vulnerable to catching fire during fireworks accidents. A roofer can also conduct maintenance for shingles, roof flashing, or gutters to ensure everything remains intact.
While it is highly recommended to take precautions beforehand, accidents may still happen regardless. In the event of roof damage from fireworks, reach out to a reputable roofing contractor to assess the extent of damage. The roofer can check for crumbling shingles, roof tears, or scorch marks. A roofer may also help you document the damage for your insurance company or other legal entities. Finally, the roofer can repair damage and help clear away any fireworks residue or debris.
Get Help Today
Although fireworks can harm your roof, the experts are here to help. Big Rock KangaROOF offers roofing services for homes in Little Rock, Central Arizona, and surrounding areas. We offer annual roof inspections, complete assessments, and roof repairs. Our experts can replace shingles and restore your roof after anything from storm damage to fireworks accidents. We also offer emergency roof repair and can efficiently complete the most specialized tasks like patching up cracks, sealing chimneys, fixing leaks to prevent water infiltration, and removing loose debris.
No matter the issue, we can help. Contact Big Rock KangaROOF today for all roofing needs.